Hookah capsule

ABSTRACT

A capsule for use with a hookah bowl contains a smoking material.

BACKGROUND

Hookahs are utilized for smoking various smoking materials such astobacco. Use of a hookah typically requires a person to manually handleand load a ceramic or fruit hookah bowl with the smoking material. Afterthe bowl has been loaded with a smoking material, a separate piece ofperforated tin foil or metal screen is placed above the smoking materialand lit or hot coals are placed thereon. Smoke from the smoking materialis bubbled through a liquid and is subsequently inhaled through one ormore tubes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating a hookah system according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a hookah capsule of the system ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the hookah capsule of FIG. 2 duringperforation of an underside of the capsule.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view illustrating perforation of a top sideof the capsule of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view illustrating positioning of theperforated capsule of FIG. 2 over an example bowl of an example hookah.

FIG. 6 of the top elevational view of the perforated capsule positionedwithin the bowl.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view illustrating extensions of the capsulewrapped about the bowl with a container of the capsule within the bowl.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate one example method for forming the capsule of FIG.2.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view illustrating another embodiment of thehookah system of FIG. 1 including an alternative hookah capsule.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the capsule of FIG.2.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the capsule of FIG.2.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view illustrating the capsule of FIG. 13 preparedfor use in a hookah.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates hookah system 20 according to anexample embodiment. Hookah system 20 is configured to permit one or morepersons to inhale smoking material smoke that has been bubbled through aliquid. As will be described hereafter, hookah system 20 employs ahookah capsule 24 including the smoking material 26. The hookah capsule24 enables easier and less messy preparation of hookah system 20. Thehookah capsule 24 also provides for enhanced smoking of the smokingmaterial 26. Hookah system 20 includes hookah 22 and the aforementionedhookah capsule 24.

Hookah 22 (also known as a ghalyun, a water pipe, a nargule, a nargila,a chillam, a shisha tube or shisha, a hubbly bubbly, teterias, sisa,vodnice, vodar, vodni dymka, vesipiip, vizipipa) generally includes bowl30, tube 32, gasket 34, jar 36, hose 38, valve 40 and plate 42. Bowl 30,also known as a head of hookah 22, comprises a receptacle or containerhaving an interior 44 having an opening outlined by a mouth 46. Interior44 is configured to receive a portion of capsule 24 while mouth 46 isconfigured to support or elevate capsule 26. Bowl 30 includes one ormore passages 48 extending from interior 44 and in pneumatic or gaseouscommunication with an interior body 32. In one embodiment, bowl 30 isformed from clay or marble. In other embodiments, Bowl 30 may comprise ahollowed out fruit having perforations serving as passages 48.

Tube 32 comprises one or more structures forming a pneumatic or gaseousconduit 50 connected to passages 48 and extending from passages 48through gasket 34 and into jar 36 below a level or surface 52 of liquid54 contained within jar 36. Tube 32 allows smoke from smoking material26 to be drawn from interior 44 of bowl 30 through liquid 54.

Gasket 34 comprises one or more structures forming a seal between tube32 and jar 36. Gasket 34 caps jar 36 while permitting tube 32, hose 38and valve 42 extend through gasket 34 into the interior 56 of jar 36.Gasket 34 may include multiple openings allowing multiple hoses 38 formultiple persons smoking from hookah 22.

Jar 36 comprises a container configured to hold if liquid through whichsmoke is bubbled prior to being drawn through hoses 38. In oneembodiment, liquid 54 contained by jar 36 comprises water. As the smokeis bubbled through liquid 54, the smoke gains moisture and is lowered intemperature. In other embodiments, liquid 54 may comprise other liquidsuch as alcohol, spirit and/or fruit juice, mint leaves with lemonslices and the like. In some embodiments, jar 36 may additionallycontain ice to dramatically lower the temperature of the smoke. In someembodiments, hookah 22 may additionally include a container between jar36 and bowl 34 containing ice to cool the smoke.

Hose 38 comprises a slender tube through which smoke is inhaled. Hose 38extends through gasket 34 and communicates with the interior 56 of jar36 above the liquid line or level 52. In some embodiments, hose 38 mayadditionally include a mouthpiece. Although one hose 38 is illustrated,in other embodiments, hookah 22 may include additional hoses 38.Although those 38 is illustrated as being provided through gasket 34, inother embodiments, hose 38 may extend through openings in jar 36.

Valve 40 comprises a selectively openable or closable valve for clearingsmoke from interior 56 of jar 36 rather than through hose 38. Althoughvalve 40 is illustrated as being provided through gasket 34, in otherembodiments, valve 40 may extend through openings in jar 36. In someembodiments, valve 40 may be omitted.

Plate 42, also known as an ash tray, comprises a receptacle or containerconfigured to store or contain cold or “dead” coals. Plate 42 ispositioned proximate to bowl 30. In other embodiments, plate 42 may beomitted.

Overall, hookah 22 comprises a mechanism through which smoke fromsmoking material 26 is drawn into and bubbled through a liquid prior tobeing inhaled through one or more hoses 38 or in the air through one ofmore valves 40. Although hookah 22 is illustrated as having theillustrated components with the illustrated shapes, hookah 22 and itscomponents may have a variety of different sizes, shapes andconfigurations.

Capsule 24 (also known as a tablet) comprises a single unit packagecontaining smoking material 26. Capsule 24 surrounds smoking material 26on substantially all sides. Prior to its modification when placed withinbowl 30 of hookah 22, capsule 24 substantially seals about smokingmaterial 26, maintaining the freshness of the smoking material 26. As aresult, capsule 24 is used to store, distribute and sell individualprepackaged portions of smoking material 26. Capsule 24 also enables theindividual portions of smoking material 26 to be easily placed withinbowl 30 without a person having to directly manually contact, touch orhandle smoking material 26. As a result, a person's hands do not becomesticky or messy when preparing hookah system 20. Moreover, becausecapsule 24 is directly placed within bowl 30, capsule 26 further servesas a liner, avoiding direct contact between smoking material 26 and theinterior surfaces of bowl 30. As a result, bowl 30 becomes less soiled,facilitating easier clean up. At the same time, capsule 24 isdisposable.

Smoking material 26 comprises a material configured to be smoked uponthe application of heat from a heat source. In one embodiment, smokingmaterial 26 comprises a tobacco. In other embodiments, smoking material26 (sometimes referred to as shisha) may comprise other tobacco-freematerial such as sugar cane bagasse or herbal blends. Other examples ofsmoking material include, but are not limited to, tobamel, khansar,Ma'sal, Tumbak, Jurak, and combinations thereof. Such smoking materialsmay additionally include various sweeteners, flavors, fruits, spices,oils and the like. For example, smoking material 26 may includemolasses.

In addition to smoking material 26, capsule 24 includes a body whichencloses smoking material 26. The body of capsule 24 generally includescontainer 60 and top 62. Container 60 comprises a structure whichsubstantially receives and retains smoking material 26. In the exampleillustrated, container 60 comprises a cup-shaped structure. In otherembodiments, container 60 may have other polygonal shapes or maycomprise a semicircular or ovular sack or pouch. Container 60 has afloor 64 and side walls 66. Floor 64 extends generally opposite to andfaces top 62. Floor 64 extends in closest proximity to a bottom of bowl30 when container 60 is positioned within bowl 30. In one embodiment,floor 64 is elevated or spaced above the bottom of bowl 30, providinggreater clearance for smoke to accumulate before passing throughpassages 48. Floor 64 includes one or more openings 70. Openings 70 aresized and located to permit smoke from smoking material 26 to pass frominterior 72 of container 60 into interior 44 of bowl 30 without asubstantial amount of smoking material 26 passing through the sameopenings 70. In one embodiment, openings 70 comprise punctures (in theshape of voids or slits) extending through floor 70.

In one embodiment, such punctures may be formed by an end-user justprior to inserting container 60 into bowl 30 as part of preparing hookahsystem 20. In such an embodiment, floor 64 is sufficiently thin andsufficiently rigid or taught to permit such puncturing with a sharpobject. For example, in one embodiment, floor 64 has a fixed generallyinflexible planar profile and is formed from one or more thin foils.

In other embodiments, openings 70 may be formed in other manners and atother points in time. For example, in other embodiments, openings 70 maycomprise punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types of openingsand formed during the fabrication or manufacture of container 70 priorto insertion of smoking material 26 into container 70 or after insertionof smoking material 26 into container 70 but before wholesale or retailto solution of capsule 24. In one embodiment, such openings 70 aretemporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of the smokingmaterial 26. In particular, in one embodiment, capsule 26 mayadditionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 74. Flap 74 isconfigured to be torn or peeled away from container 60 so as to openopenings 70. In one embodiment, flap 70 may be temporarily joined tofloor 64 across openings 70 with a pressure sensitive adhesive (such asthose found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peel flap 74.In other embodiments, flap 74 maybe secured to container 60 in a morepermanent fashion across openings 70, wherein flap 74 is torn away fromremaining portions of container 62 exposed openings 70. In oneembodiment, flap 74 may be torn away and additional openings may bemanually punctured (with a sharp object) through floor 64 depending uponthe desired amount of air flow across smoking medium or material 26. Inother embodiments, openings 70 may not be sealed or closed.

Sidewalls 66 extend between floor 64 and top 62. Together with floor 64,sidewalls 66 form a volume for containing smoking material 26. Sidewalls66 are imperforate. In some embodiments, sidewalls 66 may includeopenings for air How which are covered or sealed by a removable flap. Inyet other embodiments, sidewalls 66 may be configured to be manuallyperforated by a sharp object.

In one embodiment, side walls 66 have an inner most surface 76 and aninnermost layer 76 of one or more metallic materials. The innermostlayer of metallic materials contacts smoking material 26. In oneembodiment, an entirety of side walls 66 is formed from one or moremetallic materials. Because at least the inner most layer 76 ofsidewalls 66 is formed from a metallic material, sidewall 66 have anenhanced thermal conductivity for thermally conducting heat from a heatsource 78 resting upon capsule 24. Because the thermally conductiveinner surface directly contacts smoking material 26, heat is effectivelytransferred to the smoking material 26. In other embodiments, sidewalls66 may include one or more layers of thermally conductive metallicmaterials which are spaced from the innermost surface 76 by one or morenonmetallic layers or materials, wherein surface 76 is formed from amaterial or is sufficiently thin so as to not substantially thermallyinsulate the thermally conductive layer from smoking material 26.

In the example illustrated, heat source 78 comprises hot coals. In otherembodiments, other heat sources 78 may be employed. Because sidewalls 66provide such enhanced thermal conductivity, heat from heat source 78 ismore uniformly distributed along the sides of smoking material 26 tosmoke smoking material 26, resulting in enhanced performance. In otherembodiments, sidewalls 66 may be formed from other materials.

In those embodiments in which sidewalls 66 have a layer formed from oneor more highly thermally conductive materials, such as metallicmaterials, floor 64 may additionally be provided with a highlyconductive layer 80 formed from one or more metallic materials. In oneembodiment, layer 80 may provide the innermost surface of floor 64. Inother embodiments, layer 80 may be spaced from the inner most surface offloor 64 by one or more non-metallic layers, wherein the inner meaninglayers are formed from materials or are sufficiently thin so as to notsubstantially insulate the thermally conductive metallic layers fromsmoking material 26. Because floor 64 also includes a thermallyconductive layer, heat is also effectively conducted from sidewall 66 tobelow smoking material 26, heating the underside of smoking material 26.As a result, even more uniform heating and smoking of smoking material26 may be achieved. In other embodiments, floor 64 may omit suchthermally conductive metallic layers.

According to one embodiment, both floor 64 and sidewalls 66 areintegrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment,floor 64 and sidewalls 66 are integrally formed as a single unitary bodyfrom a tin foil. In other embodiments, floor 64 and sidewall 66 may beformed from one or more other materials.

Sidewalls 66 are joined to top 62 at junction 84. According to oneembodiment, sidewalls 66 are connected to top 62 by a crimped junction84. In one embodiment, sidewalls 66 are solely connected to top 62 bycrimped junction 84 without any intervening adhesives or insulativematerials. As a result, in those embodiments in which sidewalls 66 isformed from one or more thermally conductive metallic materials, heat ismore effectively conducted in transferred from top 62 to sidewalks 66.There are no intervening adhesive layers to insulate or interfere withthe transfer of heat to sidewall 66. In addition, there are no adhesiveswhich may otherwise emit an undesirable odor or scent or affect taste ofthe smoke during heating of capsule 24. In other embodiments, junction84 may include one or more adhesives, glues, solder joints, welds,interlocking structures or the like. In some embodiments, junction 84may omit any crimping. In still other embodiments, junction 84 may beomitted, wherein sidewalks 66 are integrally formed as a single unitarybody with top 62.

According to one embodiment, junction 84 includes one or more adhesivesformed from, comprising or consisting of one or more syrups or otherfood grade materials having sticky, adhesive or bonding characteristics.In one embodiment, the same syrups or other food grade materials thatare added to the smoking material 26 to preserve the smoking material,to add a scent to the smoking material or to add flavor to the smokingmaterial (collectively referred to as smoking material additive) arealso used at junction 84 to assist in joining top 62 to sidewall 66and/or to assist in sealing between top 62 and sidewall 66. Because thesame materials added to the smoking material are also used to enhance orfacilitate joining in sealing between sidewall 66 and top 62, otheradhesives which might otherwise add undesirable odor or flavor duringsmoking of the smoking material under high heat are eliminated orreduced. In addition, complexity and costs for fabricating ormanufacturing capsule 24 are reduced.

In one embodiment, the smoking material additive is the sole means bywhich lop 62 is joined to sidewall 66. For example, the smoking materialadditive may seal and join two mutually facing flaps or surfaces. Inanother embodiment, the smoking material additive may be used inaddition to a mechanical joint to enhance bonding as well as to enhancesealing. For example, one embodiment, smoking material additive may beprovided between adjacent layers that are crimped and form junction 84.In one embodiment, the smoking material additive may comprise a syrupsuch as molasses. In other embodiments, the smoking material additivemay comprise other materials which have adhesive properties in at leastone physical state.

In some embodiments, the smoking material additive may alternatively oradditionally be used to join and/or assist in sealing between othercomponents of capsule 24. For example, the smoking material additive maybe used to seal and join removable flaps to either top 62 or floor 64over and across preformed openings. In other embodiments, use of smokingmaterial additive as a structural component joining our sealing betweenstructures may be omitted.

Top 62 comprises one or more structures coupled to joined or connectedto sidewalls 66 and spanning across interior 72 of container 60. Top 62captures and substantially encloses smoking material 26 within interior72. Top 62 additionally supports heating source 78 (hot coals) over andabove smoking material 26. Top 62 includes central portion 86 andextension 88.

Central portion 86 covers interior 72 while standing over interior 72between opposite sides of sidewalls 66. Central portion 86 has anupwardly and outwardly facing surface that is either flat or concave. Asa result, central portion 86 is better able to support heat source 78(hot cold) over interior 72 and over smoking material 26. In otherwords, the hot coals are less likely to roll off of central portion 86.In one embodiment, central portion 86 is either sufficiently rigid andstrong or is sufficiently supported by sidewall 66 so as to besufficiently taught when supporting the coals of heat source 78 suchthat an underside of central portion 86 does not collapse or rest uponsmoking material 26. In other words, central portion 86 is configuredsuch that the weight of heat source 78 does not cause central portion 86to compress smoking material 26. Because smoking material 26 is in anuncompressed state, having a greater surface area and having more accessto airflow, smoking material 26 is more effectively and efficientlysmoked.

According to one embodiment, central portion 86 is formed from orincludes a highly conductive layer 89 formed from one or more metallicmaterials. In one embodiment, layer 89 may provide the innermost surfaceof central portion 86. In other embodiments, layer 89 may be spaced fromthe inner most surface of central portion 86 by one or more non-metalliclayers, wherein the inner meaning layers are formed from materials orare sufficiently thin so as to not substantially insulate the thermallyconductive metallic layers from smoking material 26. Because centralportion 86 also includes a thermally conductive layer, heat is moreeffectively conducted to smoking material 26 through central portion 86,heating the upper side of smoking material 26. In other embodiments,central portion 86 may omit such thermally conductive metallic layers.

According to one example embodiment, central portion 84 includes one ormore openings 90. Openings 90 are sized and located to permit air topass into interior 72 of container 60 without large amounts of residue,if any, from heat source 78 (such as the ashes from coals) passingthrough the same openings 90. In one embodiment, openings 90 comprisepunctures (in the shape of voids or slits) extending through centralportion 86.

In one embodiment, such punctures may be formed by an end-user justprior to inserting container 60 into bowl 30 as part of preparing hookahsystem 20. In such an embodiment, central portion 86 is sufficientlythin and sufficiently rigid or taught to permit such puncturing with asharp object. For example, in one embodiment, central portion 86 has afixed generally inflexible planar profile and is formed from one of morethin foils.

In other embodiments, openings 90 may be formed in other manners and atother points in time. For example, in other embodiments, openings 90 maycomprise punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types of openingsand formed during the fabrication or manufacture of central portion 86prior to insertion of smoking material 26 into container 60 or afterinsertion of smoking material 26 into container 60 but before wholesaleor retail to solution of capsule 24. In one embodiment, such openings 90are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of the smokingmaterial 26. In particular, in one embodiment, capsule 26 mayadditionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 94. Flap 94 isconfigured to be torn or peeled away from container 60 so as to openopenings 90. In one embodiment, flap 94 may be temporarily joined tocentral portion 86 across openings 90 with a pressure sensitive adhesive(such as those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peelflap 94. In other embodiments, flap 94 may be secured to container 60 ina more permanent fashion across openings 90, wherein flap 94 is torn orfolded away from remaining portions of container 60 to expose openings90. In other embodiments, flap 94 maybe secured to container 60 in amore permanent fashion across openings 70, wherein flap 74 is torn awayfrom remaining portions of container 62 exposed openings 70. In oneembodiment, flap 94 may be torn away and additional openings may bemanually punctured (with a sharp object) through central portion 86depending upon the desired amount of air flow across smoking medium ormaterial 26. In other embodiments, openings 90 may not be sealed orclosed. In some embodiments, openings 90 may be omitted.

Extension 88 comprises that portion of top 62 extending outwardly fromcentral portion 86 outwardly beyond sidewalls 66. Extension 88 providesan outwardly extending rim beyond sidewall 66 of container 60. Extension88 enables a larger heat source 78, such as a larger number of hotcoals, to rest upon capsule 24. Extension 88 further abuts or sealsagainst an upper service of mouth 46 of bowl 30. In particular,extension 88 has an outward expanse or area equal to or greater than anarea of mouth 46. As a result, extension 88 substantially inhibits smokefrom smoking material 26 from floating upward out of bowl 30. Rather, agreater percentage of the smoke from smoking material 26 that is passedthrough opening 70 maybe drawn through passages 48 and subsequentlyinhaled through the one or more hoses 38. Extension 88 further supportscontainer 60 and smoking material 26 above a bottom of bowl 30,preventing container 60 from occluding or blocking passages 48. In otherembodiments, container 60 may contact the bottom of bowl 30 while stillallowing sufficient air flow to passages 48.

According to one embodiment, extension 88 extends not only to and justabove mouth 46, but outwardly beyond mouth 46. This greater expanse ofextension 88 provides even a greater surface area for supporting thecoals of heat source 78. As a result, the coals of heat source 78 areeven less likely to fall off of top 62.

As indicated by broken lines in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, at leastthose portions of extension 88 extending outwardly beyond mouth 46 arenon-resiliently manually deformable or bendable. As a result, suchportions 96 of extension 88 may be wrapped or bent around mouth 46,along the exterior sides of mouth 30. Although this may reduce the totalsurface area for supporting the coals of heat source 78, wrapping aportion 96 about mouth 46 provides an enhanced seal about mouth 46 andbetter contains smoke from smoking material 26 within mouth 30 prior toits flow through passages 48. Because portions 96 by configured toretain their shape after being wrapped about mouth 46, the remainingportions of extension 88 and capsule 24 are better supported andelevated within bowl 30 above a bottom interior of bowl 30. In otherembodiments, portions 96 may be omitted.

According to one embodiment, central portion 86 and extensions 88 areintegrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment,central portion 86 and extension 88 are integrally formed as a singleunitary body from a tin foil. According to one embodiment, centralportion 86 and extension 88 are formed from a single layer of metallicmaterial such as tinfoil. Because central portion 86 and extension 80are formed from a single layer, central portion 86 may be more easilypunctured, fabrication is less complex and costly and thermalconductivity may be enhanced. In addition, because portion 96 is formedfrom a single layer, portion 96 may more easily retain its deformed orbent shape against exterior surfaces of bowl 30 proximate to mouth 46.In other embodiments, central portion 86 and extension 88, or selectedportions thereof, may be formed from one or more other materials or maybe formed from multiple layers.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate capsule 124, a particular example embodiment ofcapsule 24. Capsule 24 includes a body which encloses smoking material26 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 1). The body ofcapsule 124 generally includes container 160 and top 162. Container 160comprises a structure which substantially receives and retains smokingmaterial 26. In the example illustrated, container 160 comprises acup-shaped structure. In other embodiments, container 160 may have otherpolygonal shapes or may comprise a semicircular or ovular sack or pouch.Container 160 has a floor 164 and side walls 166. Floor 164 extendsgenerally opposite to and faces top 162. Floor 164 extends in closestproximity to a bottom of bowl 30 (shown in FIG. 1) when container 160 ispositioned within bowl 30. In one embodiment, floor 164 is elevated orspaced above the bottom of bowl 30, providing greater clearance forsmoke to accumulate before passing through passages 48. Floor 164 isimperforate prior to being prepared for use with hookah 22 (shown inFIG. 1).

Sidewalls 166 extend between floor 164 and top 162. Together with floor164, sidewalks 166 form a volume for containing smoking material 26. Inone embodiment, side walls 166 imperforate. As a result, container 60better maintains a freshness of smoking material 26. In the exampleillustrated, sidewalls 166 have an inner most surface 76 (shown inFIG. 1) and an innermost layer 76 of one or more metallic materials. Theinnermost layer of metallic materials contacts smoking material 26. Inone embodiment, an entirety of side walls 166 is formed from one or moremetallic materials. Because at least the inner most layer 76 ofsidewalls 166 is formed from a metallic material, sidewalls 166 have anenhanced thermal conductivity for thermally conducting heat from a heatsource 78 (shown in FIG. 1) resting upon capsule 124. Because thethermally conductive inner surface directly contacts smoking material26, heat is effectively transferred to the smoking material 26. In otherembodiments, sidewalls 166 may include one or more layers of thermallyconductive metallic materials which are spaced from the innermostsurface 76 by one or more nonmetallic layers or materials, whereinsurface 76 is formed from a material or is sufficiently thin so as tonot substantially thermally insulate the thermally conductive layer fromsmoking material 26. Because sidewalls 166 provide such enhanced thermalconductivity, heat from heat source 78 is more uniformly distributedalong the sides of smoking material 26 to smoke smoking material 26,resulting in enhanced performance. In other embodiments, sidewall 166may be formed from other materials.

In those embodiments in which sidewalls 166 have a layer formed from oneor more highly thermally conductive materials, such as metallicmaterials, floor 164 may additionally be provided with a highlyconductive layer 80 formed from one or more metallic materials. In oneembodiment, layer 80 may provide the innermost surface of floor 164. Inother embodiments, layer 80 may be spaced from the inner most surface offloor 164 by one or more non-metallic layers, wherein the inner meaninglayers are formed from materials or are sufficiently thin so as to notsubstantially insulate the thermally conductive metallic layers fromsmoking material 26. Because floor 164 also includes a thermallyconductive layer, heat is also effectively conducted from sidewall 166to below smoking material 26, heating the underside of smoking material26. As a result, even more uniform heating and smoking of smokingmaterial 26 may be achieved. In other embodiments, floor 164 may omitsuch thermally conductive metallic layers.

In the embodiments illustrated, both floor 164 and sidewalls 166 areintegrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment,floor 164 and sidewalls 166 are integrally formed as a single unitarybody from a tin foil. In other embodiments, floor 164 and sidewall 166may be formed from one or more other materials.

Sidewalls 66 are joined to top 62 at junction 184. According to oneembodiment, sidewalls 166 are connected to top 124 by a crimped junction184. In one embodiment, sidewalls 166 are solely connected to top 124 bycrimped junction 184 without any intervening adhesives or materials. Asa result, in those embodiments in which sidewalls 166 is formed from oneor more thermally conductive metallic materials, heat is moreeffectively conducted in transferred from top 62 to sidewalls 66 Thereare no intervening adhesive layers to insulate or interfere with thetransfer of heat to sidewall 66. In addition, there are no adhesiveswhich may impact the flavor or scent of the smoke produced by smokingmaterial 26.

In other embodiments, junction 184 may include one or more adhesives,glues, solder joints, welds, interlocking structures or the like. Insome embodiments, junction 84 may omit any crimping. In still otherembodiments, junction 184 may be omitted, wherein sidewalls 166 areintegrally formed as a single unitary body with lop 124.

Top 124 comprises one or more structures coupled to joined or connectedto sidewalls 166 and spanning across interior 72 (shown in FIG. 1) ofcontainer 160. Top 124 captures and substantially encloses smokingmaterial 26 within interior 72. Top 124 additionally supports heatingsource 78 (hot coals) (shown in FIG. 1) over and above smoking material26. Top 124 includes central portion 186 and extension 188.

Central portion 186 covers interior 72 while standing over interior 72between opposite sides of sidewalls 166. Central portion 186 has anupper outwardly facing surface that is either flat or concave. As aresult, central portion 186 is better able to support heat source 78(hot coal) over interior 72 and over smoking material 26. In otherwords, the hot coals are less likely to roll off of central portion 186.In one embodiment, central portion 186 is either sufficiently rigid andstrong or is sufficiently supported by sidewall 166 so as to besufficiently taught when supporting the coals of heat source 78 suchthat an underside of central portion 186 does not collapse or rest uponsmoking material 26. In other words, central portion 186 is configuredsuch that the weight of heal source 78 does not cause central portion186 to compress smoking material 26. Because smoking material 26 is inan uncompressed state, having a greater surface area and having moreaccess to airflow, smoking material 26 is more effectively andefficiently smoked.

According to one embodiment, central portion 186 is formed from orincludes a highly conductive layer 89 formed from one or more metallicmaterials. In one embodiment, layer 89 may provide the innermost surfaceof central portion 186. In other embodiments, layer 89 may be spacedfrom the inner most surface of central portion 186 by one or morenon-metallic layers, wherein the innermost layers are formed frommaterials or are sufficiently thin so as to not substantially insulatethe thermally conductive metallic layers from smoking material 26.Because central portion 186 also includes a thermally conductive layer,heat is more effectively conducted to smoking material 26 throughcentral portion 86, heating the upper side of smoking material 26. Inother embodiments, central portion 86 may omit such thermally conductivemetallic layers.

Extension 188 comprises that portion of top 124 extending outwardly fromcentral portion 186 outwardly beyond sidewalls 166. Extension 188provides an outwardly extending rim beyond sidewall 166 of container160. Extension 188 enables a larger heat source 78, such as a largernumber of hot coals (shown in FIG. 1), to rest upon capsule 124.Extension 188 further abuts or steals against an upper surface of mouth46 of bowl 30 (shown in FIG. 1). In particular, extension 188 has anoutward expanse or area equal to or greater than an area of mouth 46. Asa result, extension 188 substantially inhibits smoke from smokingmaterial 26 from floating upward out of bowl 30. Rather, a greaterpercentage of the smoke from smoking material 26 that is passed capsule124 into bowl 30 may be drawn through passages 48 and subsequentlyinhaled through the one or more hoses 38. Extension 188 further supportscontainer 160 and smoking material 26 above a bottom of bowl 30,preventing container 160 from occluding or blocking passages 48.

According to one embodiment, extension 188 is configured to extend notonly to and just above mouth 46, but outwardly beyond mouth 46. Thisgreater expanse of extension 188 provides even a greater surface areafor supporting the coals of heat source 78. As a result, the coals ofheat source 78 are even less likely to fall off of top 162.

As shown by FIG. 7, in one embodiment, at least those portions ofextension 188 extending outwardly beyond mouth 46 are non-resilientlyand manually deformable or bendable. As a result, such portions 196 ofextension 188 may be wrapped or bent around mouth 46, along the exteriorsides of mouth 30. Although this may reduce the total surface area forsupporting the coals of heat source 78, wrapping a portion 196 aboutmouth 46 provides an enhanced seal about mouth 46 and better containsmoke from smoking material 26 within mouth 30 prior to its flow throughpassages 48 (shown in FIG. 1). Because portions 196 are configured toretain their shape after being wrapped about mouth 46, the remainingportions of extension 188 and capsule 124 are better supported andelevated within bowl 30 above a bottom interior of bowl 30. In otherembodiments, portions 196 may be omitted.

According to one embodiment, central portion 186 and extensions 188 areintegrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment,central portion 186 and extension 188 are integrally formed as a singleunitary body from a tin foil. According to one embodiment, centralportion 86 and extension 88 are formed from a single layer of metallicmaterial such as tinfoil. As shown by FIG. 10, in one embodiment,extension 188 may overlap an extension 208 of container 160. Becausecentral portion 186 and extension 180 are formed from a single layer,central portion 186 may be more easily punctured, fabrication is lesscomplex and costly and thermal conductivity may be enhanced. Inaddition, because portion 196 is formed from a single layer, portion 196may more easily retain its deformed or bent shape against exteriorsurfaces of bowl 30 proximate to mouth 46. In other embodiments, centralportion 186 and extension 188 may be formed from one or more othermaterials or may be formed from multiple layers.

FIGS. 3-7 illustrate preparation of hookah system 22 using capsule 124.In particular, FIGS. 3-7 illustrate mounting of capsule 124 to a bowl 30of hookah system 22 (shown in its entirety in FIG. 1). As shown by FIG.3, one or more openings 170 are formed by puncturing floor 164 with asharp object 200. Openings 170 are sized and located to permit air topass into interior 72 of container 160 without large amounts of residue,if any, from heat source 78 (such as the ashes from coals) passingthrough the same openings 190. In one embodiment, openings 190 comprisepunctures (in the shape of voids or slits) extending through floor 164.

In the example illustrated, such punctures may be formed by an end-userjust prior to inserting container 160 into bowl 30 as part of preparinghookah system 20. In such an embodiment, floor 164 is sufficiently thinand sufficiently rigid or taught to permit such puncturing with a sharpobject. For example, in one embodiment, floor 164 has a fixed generallyinflexible planar profile and is formed from one of more thin foils. Inother embodiments, floor 164 may be flexible.

In other embodiments, openings 170 may be formed in other manners and atother points in time. For example, in other embodiments, openings 170may comprise punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types ofopenings and formed during the fabrication or manufacture of floor 164prior to insertion of smoking material 26 into container 160 or afterinsertion of smoking material 26 into container 160 but before wholesaleor retail to solution of capsule 124. In one embodiment, such openings190 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of thesmoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment, capsule 26 mayadditionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 94 (shown anddescribed with respect to FIG. 1).

As shown by FIG. 4, openings 190 are formed in central portion 186.Openings 190 are sized and located to permit smoke from smoking material26, to pass from interior 72 (shown in FIG. 1) of container 160 intointerior 44 of bowl 30 without a substantial amount of coals of heatsource 78 (shown in FIG. 1) passing through the same openings 190. Inone embodiment, openings 190 comprise punctures (in the shape of voidsor slits) extending through central portion 186. Such punctures areformed by an end-user just prior to inserting container 160 into bowl 30as part of preparing hookah system 20. In such an embodiment, centralportion 186 is sufficiently thin and sufficiently rigid or taught topermit such puncturing with a sharp object 200. For example, in oneembodiment, central portion 186 has a fixed generally inflexible planarprofile and is formed from one of more thin foils.

In other embodiments, openings 190 may be formed in other manners and atother points in time. For example, in other embodiments, openings 190may comprise punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types ofopenings and formed during the fabrication or manufacture of container160 prior to insertion of smoking material 26 into container 160 orafter insertion of smoking material 26 into container 160 but beforewholesale or retail to solution of capsule 124. In one embodiment, suchopenings 190 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness ofthe smoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment, capsule 124may additionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 94 (shown anddescribed in FIG. 1). In other embodiments, openings 190 may not besealed or closed.

As shown by FIGS. 5 and 6, once floor 164 and central portion 186 havebeen punctured (or otherwise modified) to form openings 170 and 190,capsule 124 is placed upon bowl 30 with container 160 (shown in FIG. 2)resting inside Bowl 30. As shown by FIG. 7, portions 196 of extension188 are bent and wrapped about the mouth 46 of bowl 30. Thereafter, asshown in FIG. 1, a heat source 78, such as hot coals, are placed uponcentral portion 86/186 of top 62/162. As indicated by the arrows in FIG.1, as air/smoke is inhaled through hose 38, air is drawn throughopenings 90/190 and passes across smoking material 26. Smoke fromsmoking material 26 is drawn through openings 70/170 into bowl 30. Thesmoke is further drawn through passages 48, through 232 and bubbledthrough liquid 54 in jar 36. The smoke then passes through hose 38 whereit is inhaled.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate one example method of forming capsule 124. Asshown by FIG. 8, top 162 is positioned across container 160 and anextension 208 of container 160. As noted above, in one embodiment, top162 is formed from a metallic foil such as tinfoil. Likewise, container160 and its extension 208 are also formed from a metallic foil, such astinfoil.

As shown by FIG. 9, one or more forming tools 210 (shown in FIG. 8) arepositioned at least partially about and around container 160. Formingtools 210 are pressed against extension 188 and extension 208 to formthe folds 212 shown in FIG. 9. In one embodiment, forming tools 210continuously extend about container 160 so as to form continuous fold212 about container 160 between container 160 and portion 196, extension188. In other embodiments, forming tools to 108 intermittently extendabout or around container 160 to form intermittently spaced folds 212.Although folds 212 are illustrated as extending downward into extensions188 and 208, in other embodiments, forming tools 210 may alternativelybe located below extension 208 such that folds 212 extend upwardly.

As shown by FIG. 10, folds 212 are subsequently crushed, pinched, mashedor deformed to form crimped junctures 184. In other embodiments, otherforming tools and other crimping methods may be employed. Becausecrimped junctures 184 are formed without adhesive, smoking material 26is sealed and kept fresh within container 160 without adhesives whichmight otherwise be made in older and affect taste during heating ofcapsule 124. As noted above, in other embodiments, adhesives or sealingmaterials may be employed with or without the crimping.

FIG. 11 illustrates hookah system 320, another embodiment of hookahsystem 20. Hookah system 320 is identical to hookah system 20 exceptthat hookah system 320 includes capsule 324. Capsule 324 is itselfidentical to capsule 24 except that capsule 324 includes extension 388in place of extension 88. Those remaining elements of hookah system 320that correspond to elements of hookah system 20 are numbered similarly.

As shown by FIG. 11, extension 388 extends outwardly from centralportion 86 and has a smaller expanse extending beyond container 60.Extension 388 is configured to abut and seal against an inner surface331 of bowl 30 rather than a top surface of mouth 46. In the exampleillustrated, extension 388 is sufficiently sized so as to frictionallyengage surface 331 to elevate floor 64 above passages 48. In the exampleshown, mouth 46 projects above a top of capsule 324 when capsule 324 ispositioned within bowl 30. As a result, portions of the bowl 30 risingabove mouth 46 further assist in retaining the coals of heat source 78in place above capsule 324. The remaining operation of hookah system 320is substantially similar to the operation of hookah system 20.

In yet another embodiment, capsule 324 and bowl 30 may comprise anintegrated consumable (disposable) system, wherein both capsule 324 andbowl 30 are formed from one or more foils joined together as a unit. Inparticular, bowl 30 is separate from tube 32 and top 388 of capsule 324is joined to bowl 30 by a sealed joint or crimp. In such an embodiment,floor 64 is pre-punctured or otherwise includes openings (during storageor at time of retail sale) within bowl 30 which seals about suchopenings. At the time or storage or retail sale, the bottom bowl 30 isimperforate or has flaps sealing such preexisting opening(s). In oneembodiment, during mounting of bowl 30 (and the joined capsule 324) tothe remainder of the hookah, the bottom of bowl 30 is punctured bypointed end of tube 38 providing passages 48. In another embodiment, theflap or flaps may be peeled away to expose preexisting openings prior tothe tube 32 being inserted through the exposed openings.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view illustrating capsule 424, another embodimentof capsule 24. Capsule 424 is illustrated prior to preparation ofcapsule 424 for insertion into hookah 22 (shown in FIG. 1). Capsule 424comprise a specific embodiment of capsule 24 in which openings 70 and 90are preformed during fabrication of capsule 24 or during filling ofcapsule 24 was smoking material 26. Those remaining elements of capsule424 which correspond to elements of capsule 24 (described above) arenumbered similarly. Capsule 424 includes closing flaps 474 and 476.

Flap 474 is configured to be torn or peeled away from container 60 so asto open openings 70. Flap 474 includes a manually grippable tab orhandle 481. In one embodiment, flap 474 may be temporarily joined tofloor 64 across openings 70 with a pressure sensitive adhesive 475 (suchas those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peel flap74. In other embodiments, flap 474 may be secured to container 60 in amore permanent fashion across openings 70, wherein flap 474 is torn awayfrom remaining portions of container 620 to expose openings 70. In oneembodiment, flap 474 may be torn away and additional openings may bemanually punctured (with a sharp object) through floor 64 depending uponthe desired amount of air flow across smoking medium or material 26.

Flap 494 is configured to be torn or peeled away from container 60 so asto open openings 90. In the example illustrated, flap 494 includes amanually grippable tab or handle 495. In one embodiment, flap 494 may betemporarily joined to central portion 86 across openings 90 with apressure sensitive adhesive (such as those found on POST-IT notes),enabling a person to easily peel flap 494. In other embodiments, flap944 may be secured to container 60 in a more permanent fashion acrossopenings 90, wherein flap 494 is torn or folded away from remainingportions of container 60 to expose openings 90. In other embodiments,flap 494 maybe secured to container 60 in a more permanent fashionacross openings 70, wherein flap 74 is torn away from remaining portionsof container 60 to expose openings 90. In one embodiment, flap 494 maybe torn away and additional openings may be manually punctured (with asharp object) through central portion 86 depending upon the desiredamount of air flow across smoking medium or material 26.

When preparing hookah system 22, a person grasps handles handle 495 andremoving or at least folds over flaps 474 and 494 to expose openings 70and 90, respectively. Thereafter, capsule 424 is positioned on andpartially within bowl 30 of hookah 22 (shown in FIG. 1). Flaps 474 and494 enable easier preparation of capsule 424 for use in hookah 22.Because openings 70 and 90 are preformed, opening 7090 may be optimallysized and located for enhanced air or smoke flow.

FIGS. 12 illustrates capsule 524, another embodiment of capsule 24.Capsule 524 is similar to capsule 24 except that capsule 524 includestop 562 in place of top 62. In addition, floor 64 is imperforate priorto being prepared for use in hookah 22 (shown in FIG. 1). Thoseremaining elements of capsule 524 which correspond to elements ofcapsule 24 are numbered similarly.

Top 562 is similar to top 62 except that top 562 is joined to container60 by junctions 584. In addition, as with some embodiments of top 62,central portion 86 of top 562 is imperforate prior to preparation foruse in hookah 22. Those remaining elements or components of top 562which correspond to elements of top 62 are numbered similarly.

Junctions 584 comprise structures or mechanisms configured to facilitateat least partial manually achieved separation of top 562 from container60 without potential damage to container 60 and without substantialtearing or abrupt forces which might otherwise cause spilling of smokingmaterial 26 from container 60. In one embodiment, junctions 584 maycomprise a pressure sensitive adhesive 585 positioned between container60 and top 562. In other embodiments, other temporary sealing andjoining mechanisms or structures may be employed. Junctions 584 in closeand seal smoking material 26 within container 60 to maintain thefreshness of smoking material 26. At the same time, junctions 584 permittop 562 to be removed, exposing smoking material 26 and permittingairflow from above smoking material 26. FIG. 14 illustrates use ofcapsule 524. In particular, capsule 524, containing smoking material 26,is stored and inventoried in the state shown in FIG. 13. Prior to use inhookah 22 (shown in FIG. 1), openings 70 are formed in floor 64. In oneembodiment, openings 70 are formed by puncturing floor 64. In otherembodiments, opening 70 may be preformed, wherein a flap, such as flap474 joining FIG. 12 is utilized.

As further shown by FIG. 14, top 562 is removed from container 60. Inone embodiment that top 562 is peeled away from container 60. In anotherembodiment, top 562 may be torn away from container 60. In otherembodiments, top 562 may be folded or bent away from container 60 whileremaining attached to a portion of container 60. Thereafter, container60 is positioned within bowl 30 (shown in FIG. 1) and a separateperforated foil or screen 531 is positioned over smoking material 26. Aheat source 78, such as hot coals (shown in FIG. 1), may then be placedon top of the screen or perforated foil. As with capsules 24, 124 and424, capsule 524 provides a prepackaged and apportioned unit of smokingmaterial 26. Moreover, capsule 524 enables the smoking material 26 to beloaded into a hookah without a person having to manually touch orcontact smoking material 26. In some embodiments, capsule 524additionally thermally conducts heat more uniformly about smokingmaterial 26 for enhanced smoking performance.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference toexample embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although differentexample embodiments may have been described as including one or morefeatures providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that thedescribed features may be interchanged with one another or alternativelybe combined with one another in the described example embodiments or inother alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the presentdisclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology areforeseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to theexample embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestlyintended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specificallyotherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element alsoencompass a plurality of such particular elements.

1. An apparatus comprising: a capsule comprising: a smoking material; acontainer retaining the smoking material, the container having a floorwith portions configured to be manually punctured or manually removed;and a top joined to the container to capture the smoking material withinthe container with portions configured to be manually punctured ormanually removed, wherein an entire lower surface of the top issupported by the container so as to be spaced vertically above andopposite to the smoking material and so as to not contact the smokingmaterial.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top includes acentral portion retaining the smoking material in the container and anextension extending from the central portion outwardly beyond thecontainer, wherein the central portion and the extension are configuredto support and retain a heat source on the capsule and above thecontainer.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the extension isconfigured to be wrapped about a mouth of a hookah bowl to substantiallyretain its wrapped shape.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecentral portion of the top is substantially planar.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the container consists of one or more metallic layers.6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the top consists of one or moremetallic layers.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container hasa floor substantially parallel to the central portion of the top andside walls obliquely extending from the floor between the floor and thetop.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the central portion of the topand the container include metallic surfaces in contact with the smokingmaterial.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top and the containerare joined by a crimped junction about the smoking material.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein the crimped junction omits adhesive. 11.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top and the container are joinedby an adhesive.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the smokingmaterial is selected from a group of smoking materials consisting of:tobacco, tobamel, khansar, Ma'sal, Tumbak, Jurak, sugar cane bagasse andcombinations thereof.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecontainer and the top are formed from a metallic foil.
 14. The apparatusof claim 1 further comprising a hookah having the hookah bowl, whereinthe container is received within the bowl.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the top at least partially extends over the smoking material inthe container, wherein the top is configured to be manually perforatedby a sharp object in areas overlying the smoking material and whereinthe top has an outwardly facing surface that is either flat or concaveso as to retain hot coals above the container.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein at least a portion of the top is configured to bemanually separated from the container.
 17. The apparatus 1 of claim 1,wherein the top is configured to cooperate with the bowl to seal thefloor of the container within the bowl.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1further comprising a smoking material additive joining or sealingbetween the container and the top.
 19. (canceled)
 20. (canceled) 21.(canceled)
 22. (canceled)
 23. (canceled)
 24. (canceled)
 25. (canceled)26. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top comprises one or morefoils sufficiently taught to be suspended over and out of contact withthe smoking material.
 27. An apparatus comprising: a capsule comprising:a smoking material; a container retaining the smoking material, thecontainer having a floor with portions configured to be manuallypunctured or manually removed; and a top joined to the container tocapture the smoking material within the container with portionsconfigured to be manually punctured or manually removed; and a smokingmaterial additive joining or sealing between the container and the top.28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the smoking material additivecomprises molasses.
 29. An apparatus comprising: a capsule comprising: asmoking material; a container retaining the smoking material, thecontainer having a floor with portions configured to be manuallypunctured or manually removed; and a top joined to the container tocapture the smoking material within the container with portionsconfigured to be manually punctured or manually removed, wherein atleast a portion of the top is configured to be manually separated fromthe container.
 30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least oneof the top and the floor of the container comprises: a first layer withperforations; and a second manually removable layer overlapping andsealing the perforations.